This year’s annual D-Day Service held at the Harwell Stone recognised the 80th anniversary since D-Day, was held on the evening of Saturday 8th June and was supported in great numbers in part thanks to the National press highlighting the significance of the anniversary year.
The event was once again well attended by local dignitaries, veterans, youth groups, representatives of local businesses and local residents, key amongst which was the Guest of Honour Lt Gen Andrew Harrison, the Colonel Commandant of the Parachute Regiment.
The event was jointly organised by the Harwell Branch of the Royal British Legion and Stve Guest of Harwell Campus with the support of Harwell and Chilton Churches.
The parade was opened by a dynamic and exciting flying display by a Tiger Moth, organised by Rich Pillans, flown by Robin Russell of the Tiger-9 display team.
The Guest of Honour, Lt Gen Harrison joined the event fresh from his visit to Normandy, taking part in commemorations across the region, led the wreath laying and offered his own words of remembrance at the end of the service, pointing out in his 30+ years of visiting Normandy in early June, this was the first time he considered where in the UK those troops had taken off from.
A total of 42 wreaths were laid, from a wide scope of organisations: In additional to the guest of honour, there was another National Representative, the National Vice-Chair of the RBL, there was local authority representation from Didcot, Wantage and Abingdon Town Mayor’s, plus councillors from Chilton, Harwell and VOWH Councils, the armed forces in the shape of 4 Regt and 7 Regt from Dalton Barracks, and a representative from RAF Benson.
A large number of Veterans organisations across Oxfordshire and Berkshire attended, as well as representation from the campus business and other local organisations, which was concluded by Poppies and Crosses laid by Chilton School pupils.
A joint Guard of honour was formed by the Army Cadet Force, Didcot Detachment and the ATC made up of Wantage and Didcot Squadrons. There were 19 Standards on Parade carried by the RBL, Airbourne Association, Cadet Forces, and the Chilton Scouts.
The Service was conducted for the first time by Rev. Jeremy Parsons, and The Last Post was sounded by Richard Selvidge of the Wantage Silver Band.
Poppy Appeal collection buckets and card readers were circulating during the event and raised £382, with thanks to Hazel Benton and Peter Cox for their efforts.
Thanks are also due to Steve Guest of Harwell Campus for the site preparation and management, printing a significant number of service sheets and granting permission and access to hold the event, and to Alan Proctor (and team) for managing the car parking and event security.
Photos of the event can be found on the Branch Facebook page – Facebook link
Peter Davies
Harwell RBL Branch Ceremonial Officer